Only 12k Original Miles! 1974 Ford Maverick Survivor

How much appreciation does a Maverick deserve? The model came into the world as a compact car with pony styling features, a sort of sidekick to the Mustang. At launch, it sold three times as many units as the Mustang, but it never gained the glamour of its older sibling. This example, though, has traveled an almost unheard-of 12,000 miles since new. Find it here on eBay priced at $12,500 or best offer. The car is located Mandan, North Dakota, and reading between the lines of the seller’s description, it can probably be driven home, provided you don’t have qualms about adding to its odo reading.

At its introduction, the Maverick was a cheap, no-frills vehicle running a 170 cu. in. six. It didn’t even come with a glove box. But its ponycar styling helped Ford capture buyers who would otherwise spring for Beetles and Corollas. This one’s VIN tells us that the inline six-cylinder in its engine bay is the downmarket 200 cu. in. Thriftpower, good for about 85 hp; it’s paired with Ford’s C4 three-speed automatic. The well-heeled buyer could opt for a 250 cu. in. six, or the top-shelf 302, and if he was feeling particularly flush, maybe the Grabber package.

Why can’t we have interiors like this these days? Not that I am so fond of lime green, but at least it’s different. Dig that headliner – an acre of lime green, and in great condition!  This car is so fresh, it still retains the “safety precaution” sticker on the dash. The trunk is nearly pristine. Alas, all is not perfect, however: the passenger’s side front fender is seriously creased. While believing the mileage claim is easy given this car’s condition, I wish the seller would provide receipts, a window sticker, an owner’s manual – any documents that might support the claim of originality.

The Maverick was beefier than many of its import competitors, and by 1974, its size was exacerbated by bumpers that had grown to suit new 5 mph regulations. Meanwhile, Ford had introduced a seriously small car – the Pinto – in 1971. Thanks to a couple of energy crises during the 1970s, the economical Pinto managed to outsell the Maverick by 1 million units. But today, I’ll vote for any Maverick all day long over any Pinto, and in the case of this impressive survivor – well, I’d be happy to find it in my garage, warts and all.